407 koeajo

Peugeot 407 SW 2.0 HDi SE 136 5dr
On sale now
Target Price £17,256
Price £18,550

Overall rating ***oo

On the road

Performance ***oo
There’s the same wide range of engine choices as in the saloon, but so far we’ve only been able to drive the 2.0-litre diesel. However, along with the smaller 1.6 diesel, it’s expected to be the big seller, and it’s easy to see why. Its strong low-down pull is ideal for load lugging.


Ride & handling ***oo
Like the saloon, on which it’s based, the SW feels slow-witted through the twists and turns, and the ride never truly settles. Even small imperfections in the road surface are felt in the cabin, and the steering lacks the kind of feedback the best in the class deliver. Several rivals offer crisper handling and smoother rides.


Refinement ***oo
Most of the time there’s no problem with the SW’s refinement. Road and wind noise are generally well contained, although there is a little more wind noise at motorway speeds than in the saloon. We’ve only driven the 2.0-litre turbodiesel so far, but it is smooth and refined, with only a little diesel rumble at idle.

Ownership

Buying & owning ***oo
The estate's premium over the saloon is an acceptable £1100, but the diesels will make the best buys. As well as producing the best fuel economy, they are expected to have the best residuals and meet Euro IV emissions regulations, meaning they are exempt from the normal 3% tax penalty for business users. Avoid the V6, which is expensive to buy and run.


Quality & reliability ***oo
It’s much the same story as the saloon here. Peugeot worked hard to raise the levels of quality on this new car, and it has been successful. The cabin feels better built and more sturdy than that of the old 406, and we expect no problems from engines and transmissions, which are all tried and tested in other models.


Safety & security *****
Every 407 SW comes with a minimum of seven airbags, including a steering-column airbag to protect the driver’s knees in a collision, and anti-whiplash head restraints. Executive models also have rear side airbags, which come as part of a £400 security pack on SE and SV models. Also standard are anti-lock brakes, the latest traction and stability controls, as well as an alarm and deadlocks.

In the cabin

Behind the wheel ***oo
Space in the front is generous, with plenty of headroom and legroom. The driver benefits from a wide range of seat adjustment and a reach- and rake-adjustable steering wheel, although some have found it difficult to juggle everything to get a perfect driving position. All that really spoils it is the centre console – it has too many buttons, which can make it confusing to use.


Space & practicality ***oo
The SW’s higher roof liberates extra headroom over the saloon. Rear passengers have plenty of space, but the SW lags behind rivals such as the Mazda 6 and Vauxhall Vectra for luggage capacity. The boot, though, is a neat, square shape, and the rear seat folds to leave an almost flat floor. The front passenger seat-back folds down, and the tailgate has a split opening.


Equipment ****o
The SW offers the same four trim levels as the saloon, which means good kit on all. Climate control and a CD player are standard. There’s a full-length glass roof, plus alloy wheels on most. SV and Executive have rear parking aids and a CD multichanger.